ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ERIK SCHLOPY

06/28/2012

Learn More About the Athlete, Entrepreneur, Father, and Husband
We recently interviewed Erik Schlopy, of Soul Poles, to learn more about his career and new venture. Erik was on the US Ski Team for 18 years with a 3 year break to race on the Pro Tour. During his time with the team, his highlights would include: 7x National Champ, 3X Olympian, ranked 3rd in the 2001 world GS standings, 2003 Bronze medalist in GS and overcame 4 knee surgeries, broken back and many other injuries. During Erik’s 3 years on the Pro Tour, he was 1996 “Rookie of the Year”, Top American 3 years in a row and World Pro Super-G Champion.

The State of Soul Poles: Soul Poles launched less than a year ago. They currently use the Soze Group for North American distribution and also sell “direct to consumer” on soulpoles.com. Erik looks forward to rolling out new products that fit within our “style and sustainability” parameters starting with a fun apparel line. Soul Poles is also under the direction of former US Ski Team member and renowned singer/songwriter, Bryon Friedman. Soul Poles exhibited at the SIA Snow Show for the first this year and will be returning for the 2013 Show.

Erik is married to Summer Sanders (Olympic Gold in Swimming, 92′) and has a 6-year old daughter and 4-year old son. He currently lives in Park City, UT.

Q&A – Snapshot with Erik

The mountain I learned to ski on was
Kissing Bridge when I was 2-years old

I can’t live without…
(Besides my family!) Exercise

My favorite cuisine is…
Whatever is on my plate (I’m not picky)

When I’m not skiing, you can find me…With my wife and kids or on a MTB trail

My favorite movie of all time is without question:
Braveheart

Who/What inspires you?
People overcoming extreme adversity with a smile on their face inspires me more than anything